Learning At Benjamin Powell's House
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To learn more about the Powell House: http://www.history.org/almanack/places/hb/hbpowell.cfm
To learn more about the Powell House: http://www.history.org/almanack/places/hb/hbpowell.cfm
We studied this primary source document which listed rules for children to follow in various settings such as at home, the table and when company is visiting.
In this notebook I jotted quick notes about what I was learning from Andy, our teacher as well as the interpreters at the Powell House. While we studied The School of Manners, we learned about the Powell children, Nancy and Hannah. Although they would not be permitted to eat with their parents when visitors such as Mr. and Mrs. Pelham came for dinner, behavior at the table included "Come not to the Table unwafh'd or not comb'd (p.13)." In other words, come to the table washed with hair combed.
After taking some notes (and sketching-more about that later) we were guided to do a quick write, in the genre of historical fiction. Don't let the historical fiction genre fool you, I learned more by writing in this narrative form about history- because I attached a story with characters to it. That was one way my learning and thinking grew and then stuck with me. Here is the quick write scene I imagined, involving the Powell daughters, Nancy and Hannah. This draft was quickly jotted in my notebook and later revised for writing quality as well as historical accuracy.
"Don't forget to wash," I told my sister, "company is arriving."
"Well we should not worry about that because we shall be eating with Nanny." Hannah whispered to me.
Cautiously stepping down the steps, hoping they don't creak, I peaked around. Hoping to catch a glimpse at the arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Pelham. Mother fussed about so much, and repeated reminders of our manners. Why should it matter so much if we must eat with Nanny anyway? Though I dare not say this thought aloud for fear mother would hear.
"Don't forget to wash," I told my sister, "company is arriving."
"Well we should not worry about that because we shall be eating with Nanny." Hannah whispered to me.
Cautiously stepping down the steps, hoping they don't creak, I peaked around. Hoping to catch a glimpse at the arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Pelham. Mother fussed about so much, and repeated reminders of our manners. Why should it matter so much if we must eat with Nanny anyway? Though I dare not say this thought aloud for fear mother would hear.